Crime in rural areas emerged as a concern from Warwickshire Community Safety Partners in late 2013. Victims of crime in rural areas are often isolated or in small communities. This can have a disproportionate impact on those victims and their fear of crime.  In North Warwickshire Borough over 75% of all the crime was classed as rural.

In response to this emerging issue the WCC Community Safety Team established a Rural Crime Project in the North of the County with funding from Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner. A similar project followed in the South of the County based in Stratford District Council.

At comprehensive website is the mainstay of the projects, set up in 2014, it provides a range of information regarding the rural community.

• About us – information on the projects
• Advice- There are numerous advice sheets that have been developed based on the crime patterns and emerging trends, empowering the public to take steps to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime.
• Useful links – links to other websites
• Information films – a series of Youtube videos on crime prevention
• Alerts and news – up to date messages on current crimes and advice
• Wildlife watchers – details of wildlife crime and how to report it
• Report a crime – Off Road Bike Nuisance, Anti-Social Behaviour and Fly tipping

The link to the site is

www.warwickshireruralwatch.co.uk

The projects organise events in the local communities, supported by the NFU, led by the local Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team and attended by a range of support services focusing on rural crime. These are advertised on the website

More recently in 2019  the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner has funding a dedicated Police Rural Crime Team consisting of a Sgt, 4 PC’s and a Rural Crime Officer. A Countywide resource that will work alongside the Rural Crime Projects to tackle rural crime.

WCC  Community Safety Team continue to support the Projects and are involved in the various initiatives that are currently taking place across the County.

Our link to Rural Crime is Martyn Stephens on 02476 754252 martynstephens@warwickshire.gov.uk.